18 Hacks from the Class of 2018

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Do your best to be kind to everyone. Classmates, people in the hall, teachers, random staff, whether they’re popular or shy, be kind. You never know what’s going on in other people’s lives and your friendly smile or ‘hello’ could possibly be the only love they get that day.

It’s difficult but try not to judge your peers. But just like you, they’re in the middle of growing up and figuring life out. They might be rude and fake, but we’re all broken where people can’t see, so be intentional about treating everyone the same.

Life in high school is much easier when your teachers like you. You don’t need to be their favorite but give them respect and they will respect you.

Look good to feel better. Even when you wake up wanting to wear sweats for the rest of your life and never wear makeup again, you’ll feel a little better if you make an effort. It’s like how some people wear suits to take a test, it’s a mindset.

When your schedule is jam packed with homework and studying and sports and commitment and you’re so overwhelmed, fit in brain breaks. Even when you have a million things to do, take a break for a few minutes and do something that will help you breathe easier (Not a break to go on your phone, that’s counterproductive because it wastes time and will distract you for longer than you intended). Go for a walk, play with your dog, eat something fresh, anything.

It’s good to have a variety of friends so try not to stick to a single group. But while you explore friends groups, make sure that at the end of the day you have a core group of pals that you know you can always count on.

Try new things even if you’re scared. “A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there”.

Maintaining your grades and taking challenging classes is awesome, but make time to go on adventures. Don’t throw school away but also don’t let it take away from things that make you happy. Spend time with friends, hang out with you family, and try not to get so stressed that you can’t have a good time.

When you have a lot to do but you also miss your friends, have study groups. Meet at a coffee shop or one of your friends’ houses and be productive together. It might be tempting to goof around the whole time, but really get work done. Other people can help decrease your level of stress and be a resource if you’re confused about the assignment.

Try not to complain. It doesn’t help you. Breathe and work through it.

Be ready for everyone to change in high school. You and your friends might become very different people in the next few years and that’s okay. Just be conscious of these changes and make sure that they are helping you change for the better and not for the worse.

Let people be there for you. If you need to, ask for help. There are so many people in your life who love you and want to help you; whether it’s just help with a tough project or sports skill or something serious at home or in your personal life. There are people worthy of your trust, you just have to look for them.

Would you rather have 100 pennies or 4 quarters? It’s better to have fewer quality friendships than a ton of fake friends.

Know your limit and don’t take classes that you can’t handle. It’s good to challenge yourself but if you drain yourself mentally and emotionally in the process, it’s not worth it.

Don’t make things a bigger deal than they need to be. Most high school drama happens because something small escalated into something huge. Take things lightly, give people the benefit of the doubt, and forgive quickly.

Often times bad days are made worse by your own doing. You can either choose to focus on the negatives or choose to focus on the positives. Thinking positively isn’t always easy, but it makes a difference.

Save time for sleeping! Try and get eight hours or more every night. It’s not always easy, but the lack of sleep will catch up with you.

Appreciate the people around you. You meet a lot of people in high school; friends, strangers, staff. Whether you know it or not there is something to learn from or appreciate in everyone.

Cole was drawn to Outlook, because he heard about its fun atmosphere and was recommended to him by friends. If Cole could interview anyone in the world, he would choose Beyonce because he is her QUEEN....